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Réparation d’une thermopompe murale Fujitsu à Outremont
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Repair of a Fujitsu wall-mounted heat pump in Outremont

Winter intervention: when snow blocks comfort

At AirGreen , we know that Montreal's winter conditions put a strain on heating systems. This service call in Outremont perfectly illustrates the challenges that snow and cold pose to Fujitsu wall-mounted heat pumps installed outdoors.

The customer, a duplex owner, contacted us after noticing that his outdoor unit was stopping working in extreme cold. The heat pump was displaying an error code “E:EE” on the remote control, indicating a safety shutdown due to compressor overheating . Upon arriving on site, our technician immediately noticed that the outdoor unit was partially buried under snow , which was preventing proper air circulation.

Diagnosis: Snow, the silent enemy of performance

Visual inspection quickly revealed several problems:

  • Significant accumulation of snow and ice on top of and around the condenser.

  • Fan blocked due to a thin layer of frost frozen on the blades.

  • Blocked heat exchanger , preventing the heat pump from expelling the heat produced during the cycle.

With the air no longer able to circulate, the compressor went into thermal overload , causing an automatic shutdown to prevent damage.

These symptoms are typical of winter blockage , a common problem when units are installed on the ground without sufficient clearance.

Step 1: Clearing and preparing the intervention area

First of all, we secured the perimeter to prevent water infiltration into the electrical connections.
The following steps were taken:

  1. Complete removal of snow around and on top of the condenser, leaving a minimum clearance of 60 cm on each side.

  2. Inspected the defrost drain to ensure it was not clogged with ice.

  3. Gentle cleaning of the coils using a biodegradable anti-icing product.

  4. Checking the insulation of the refrigeration ducts , which showed signs of humidity.

After this preparation, we were able to turn the heat pump back on and observe its behavior.

Step 2: Technical diagnosis and performance measurements

Once the Fujitsu heat pump was restarted, we took several measurements:

  • Low pressure: 110 psi , a value slightly lower than normal, confirming a cycle slowed by extreme cold.

  • High pressure: 370 psi , stable after 8 minutes of operation.

  • Indoor blowing temperature: 34.7°C , indicating good recovery from the heating cycle.

  • Outdoor coil temperature stabilized at -7.8°C, proof of effective defrosting.

The system resumed normal operation, without vibration or excessive noise.

Step 3: Winter prevention and optimization

After restoring operation, we recommended several essential winter preventative measures to the customer:

  • Install a raised support (minimum 30 cm from the ground) to prevent snow from blocking the unit.

  • Create an openwork protective shelter , allowing air to pass through while limiting the direct accumulation of snow.

  • Schedule preventative maintenance before each winter to clean coils and check automatic defrosts.

  • Monitor defrost cycles during periods of severe freezing, especially after storms.

These recommendations ensure the durability of the equipment and maintain optimal performance even at -20°C .

Result: comfort restored and customer reassured

At the end of the intervention, the Fujitsu heat pump returned to normal operation.
Warm air was once again circulating efficiently inside the home, and the client was able to enjoy stable comfort despite the harsh outside temperatures.

This type of call is common in Outremont and other Montreal neighborhoods where balconies, terraces, or small outdoor spaces serve as locations for condensers. These areas, often exposed to wind and snow, require special attention to ensure the longevity of the HVAC system.

AirGreen: Your HVAC ally in the face of Montreal winters

At AirGreen , we specialize in the maintenance, repair and installation of Fujitsu, Gree, Midea, LG, Lennox and other major brand wall-mounted heat pumps .
Our mission: to optimize the comfort and energy performance of our customers , whether in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or the South Shore .

Thanks to our expertise, even the harshness of winter is no longer an obstacle to lasting and efficient comfort.

AirGreen Air Conditioning & Heating – HVAC expertise that performs, even in the snow.